Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Lima, Peru
1. Ceviche Limeño
Fresh seafood marinated in lime juice served with onions, chili peppers, and corn. Try it at La Mar Cebicheria.
- Unique Ingredients: Uses local ingredients like fresh seafood, lime juice, and Peruvian chili peppers.
- Traditional Preparation: Prepared following centuries-old Lima traditions.
- Freshness of Ingredients: Known for using incredibly fresh seafood.
2. Lomo Saltado
Stir-fried beef with onions, tomatoes, and French fries served over rice. Visit La NEPA for a taste.
- Fusion Cuisine: A fusion of Chinese and Peruvian cooking styles.
- Typical Accompaniments: Served with rice and a boiled egg on the side.
- Flavorful Sauce: Cooked in a flavorful sauce made from vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and spices.
3. Tiradito
Thinly sliced raw fish served with citrus juices and other garnishes. Visit Tanta for a unique experience.
- Raw Presentation: Presents raw fish in an artistic manner.
- Fusion Influence: Influenced by Japanese sashimi with Peruvian twists.
- Refined Taste: Offers a refined and sophisticated taste.
4. Anticuchos
Grilled corn or beef heart skewers seasoned with garlic and spices. Try them at Anticucheria La Tia Aurelia.
- Unique Ingredient: Uses a unique ingredient, beef heart.
- Street Food Experience: Found on Lima's bustling streets and night markets.
- Spicy Flavor: Infused with Peruvian spices for a spicy flavor.
5. Causa Limeña
Layered dish made from mashed potatoes, fish or chicken, and avocado. Visit Astrid y Gastón for a gourmet experience.
- Unique Layering: Known for its unique layered structure.
- Innovative Ingredients: Features innovative ingredients and flavors.
- Cold Dish: A refreshing, cold dish perfect for hot days.
6. Chupe de Camarones
Seafood soup with milk, cheese, and bread served in a hollowed-out loaf of bread. Visit El Populo for a taste.
- Unique Presentation: Served inside a hollowed-out loaf of bread.
- Creamy Texture: Has a rich, creamy texture thanks to the milk and cheese.
- Hearty Meal: Makes for a hearty, filling meal.
7. Grilled chicken served with fries, rice, and a salsa. Visit Pollo Papa Francisco for an authentic experience.
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- Popular Street Food: A popular street food in Lima.
- Peruvian Seasonings: Seasoned with traditional Peruvian spices.
- Juicy and Tender: Known for being juicy, tender, and flavorful.
8. Papa a la Huancaina
Potatoes bathed in a spicy yellow cheese sauce. Visit El Huarazano for a taste.
- Creamy Sauce: Coated in a creamy, spicy yellow cheese sauce.
- Traditional Side Dish: A traditional Peruvian side dish.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with simple, easy-to-find ingredients.
9. Arroz con Pato
Duck cooked in a rich sauce served over rice. Visit Zela for an upscale dining experience.
- Upscale Dining: Available at high-end restaurants.
- Rich Flavor: Features a rich, savory flavor.
- Warm and Filling: Makes for a warm and filling meal.
10. Picarones
Fritters made from pumpkin or sweet potatoes served with a sugar syrup. Try them at La Nación.
- Unique Ingredients: Made with uncommon ingredients like pumpkin or sweet potatoes.
- Traditional Side Dish: A traditional Peruvian side dish.
- Sweet and Crispy: Offers a sweet, crispy flavor.
11. Sancochito de Mariscos
Seafood cooked in a broth with vegetables and corn. Visit El Mercado Central for an authentic experience.
- Authentic Market Experience: Available at bustling local markets.
- Hearty and Nutritious: A hearty, nutritious meal filled with vegetables and seafood.
- Flavorful Broth: Cooked in a flavorful broth infused with various spices.
12. Solterito
Salad made from boiled corn, beans, and potatoes served cold. Visit El Huarazano for a taste.
- Cold Salad: A refreshing, cold salad perfect for hot days.
- Traditional Ingredients: Made with traditional Peruvian ingredients.
- Hearty and Filling: Makes for a hearty, filling meal.
13. Lucuma Ice Cream
Ice cream made from the lucuma fruit. Try it at Helados Jaime for a unique taste.
- Unique Flavor: Features a unique, sweet flavor.
- Traditional Ingredient: Made with the traditional Peruvian lucuma fruit.
- Cool and Refreshing: Offers a cool, refreshing treat on hot days.
14. Chicha Morada
Sweet drink made from purple corn. Try it at any local market.
- Unique Ingredient: Made with the unique ingredient of purple corn.
- Traditional Beverage: A traditional Peruvian beverage.
- Sweet and Fruity: Offers a sweet, fruity flavor.
15. Pisco Sour
Cocktail made with pisco, lime juice, sugar, and egg whites. Try it at any bar or restaurant.
- National Drink: Peru's national drink.
- Unique Alcohol: Made with the unique alcohol, pisco.
- Refreshing and Tasty: Offers a refreshing, tasty experience.